About me

I have had counselling myself at difficult times in my life and it has proved so helpful in gaining a greater understanding of myself and how the past has influenced many of my thoughts and behaviours as an adult. I have gained clarity and confidence, learning it’s never too late to make changes to the way I act in relationships and think about things. I have emerged a stronger and more insightful person.

I have 4 adult children and ten grandchildren who have given me a lot of understanding of the challenges modern families face, whether they are couples, teenagers or children - they are all in the mix in my family. I am in a long term marriage and understand the challenges couples face to truly thrive in a stressful world.

Before training to be a counsellor, I was a secondary school teacher for over 20 years and after that, a colour and style coach helping clients feel confident about the image they project to the world. Both of these professions, as well as having a large family, have helped me to become a more empathetic, understanding person. I have always had an interest in helping other people which gives purpose and meaning to my life. Years ago, my teacher colleagues saw my empathy as a particular strength and many of them suggested I train to be a counsellor. That voice stayed with me through the different paths my life took to include a two year period living in Brazil which taught me to endure loneliness and grapple with the challenge of being a foreigner in a strange land, unable to speak the language or understand the culture. This provided empathy for how these issues affect foreigners living in the UK.

I am so glad I trained in my late 60s to become a counsellor/ psychotherapist and am very pleased I took the best course I could find: a level 7 postgraduate diploma in integrated counselling/ psychotherapy at The University of East London. I continue to be excited about learning and am always adding to my continuing professional development to make me a better counsellor/ psychotherapist. When not working, I enjoy dancing, playing tennis, reading and spending time with family.